Are the children and youth at your church waiting until they are all grown up to serve as leaders? Children have great energy and are already compassionate individuals with a desire to serve God and make the world a better place. In case they have never thought about it before, it’s time to invite them to serve as leaders.
Taking the lead starts with a child, or a group of children, with a willingness to dream. Dreams often start with the realization of a need. When the children identify a need, they can begin brainstorming about what they can do to address the need with compassion and kindness.
Children will be most successful when they lead projects that are age-appropriate and have adult support to help them work through the details (ex: calendaring, supplies, transportation, communication, etc.). A child leader’s willingness to listen to input from adults, and from other children who have chosen to be a part of the project, will be an example of trust, respect, and cooperation. If training is needed, children often learn quickly when an adult demonstrates how something should be done.
If your child leaders need a little inspiration, these young people in the Bible were willing to lead and serve:
Children have gifts of leadership and service that are waiting to be discovered and cultivated. Now is the time to invite them to share their God-given gifts to serve God as they serve others.